Our Story

Affirmation and Inclusion

Living in the farthest parts of San Diego, we know the impact of not having resources or LGBTQ+ representation in our communities. Our children face cultural barriers on top of struggling to exist in their identities.

We decided rather than be upset, we could provide opportunities ourselves, with an understanding of what our youth need.

We reached out to National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, who gave us our first yes, after which Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and San Diego City leaders all committed to helping us create spaces that were inclusive and safe for our youth.

We have grown from the five youths who came to our initial Rainbow Swim at Loma Verde pool in the summer of 2021 to the hundreds of families all over San Diego County who have enjoyed our free events.

Every one of our events is open to every inclusive youth up to age 24 because we know that our identities are intersectional, and often a path still being taken.

By making our events free, accessible via public transportation, and in the South and East County communities, we are determined to grow with purpose and a promise that no space should feel inaccessible for our LGBTQ+ youth.

Our 5 Community Commitments

3

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

We emphasize cultural competency by collaborating with local community grassroots organizations

5

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

We partner with local, BIPOC, Queer owned businesses for all our events to ensure that the money we receive is reinvested in the community

4

PURPOSEFUL OUTREACH

Our Outreach is purposeful, with intent, by meeting our youth where they exist.

1

ACCESSIBILITY

All our events are free, and centered in the communities we serve, along bus and trolley lines, to ensure cost and transportation are not a barrier.

2

INCLUSIVITY

We recognize cultural, religious, and familial ties to ensure that our inclusion is truly inclusive.

Meet the Board

Advocates, Allies, and Community Members

Executive Director

Nadia Kean-Ayub

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A mother, Life long activist, and community volunteer, Executive Director Nadia Kean-Ayub is committed to making the SouthBay a safe place for Queer kids so that they don't just live, but thrive. Nadia is a commissioner on the City of Chula Vista Human Relations Commission and The San Diego County CLERB board. She is a member of MANA and serves on its Advocacy Committee, and a member of the League of Women Voters.She believes equity is achieved through purposeful action, and that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood.

President

Topher Tailler

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Topher Tailler is a trans non-binary advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and justice for all communities. They moved to the San Diego region to pursue a graduate degree in public policy and they try to use that knowledge to bring people together in working to build a society that provides safety, justice, and equity for everyone. They work as a Patient Advocate for individuals with disabilities in San Diego County.

Co-Vice President

Lina Mohi

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Lina has more than 25 years’ experience working in non-profit organizations from Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood, Sharp Healthcare, to former Chief Operations Officer at the Human Dignity Foundation. She is the owner of Mohi Sunshine, Inc., a consulting agency that specializes in support for non-profit organizations. She received her Master’s of Counseling, MFT in 2008 and continues to provide therapy to at risk teens.She serves on the Board of Directors for the Equality Business Alliance and is the Vice President of Advocacy for democracy.Her passion is ensuring that everyone has access to the care and needs that are available to them and she is dedicated to the principle that everyone should be treated equal, with dignity and respect.

Co-Vice President

Paul Ammons

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Paul Ammons has lived his entire life in San Diego County and has dedicated himself to the strengthening and preservation of families with and for LGBTQ+ youth. He currently serves as an Advocacy Supervisor with Voices for Children, an organization focused on training and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who advocate for youth in foster care.

Treasurer

Miriam Soto

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Miriam Soto has been active as an ally and advocate in the LGBTQ+ community for over a decade, educating and supporting Spanish-speaking and latinx families in the Southbay Community.

Secretary

Madison Beck

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Madison Beck was the original mind behind the Rainbow Ride, a community centered parade that has now become a yearly event in the Southbay. A practicing lawyer and advocate, Madison is an Accomplice that supports all.

Member At Large

Juan Angel Reynoso

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Juan Angel Reynoso; “nemuuly” (grizzly bear) is 2Spirit Ipai-Kumeyaay from the San Pasqual Band of Kumeyaay Indian. Juan holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Learning from The University of California San Diego, a Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language and English Interpretation from William Woods University, and holds dualCalifornia teaching credentials. A champion for love and accountability, he empowers individuals to embrace the world unapologetically themselves, embracing their individual experiences and stories as restorative medicine.

Member At Large

Patti Boman

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Patti has dedicated most of her life to educating parents and allies on how to support LGBTQ+ youth. Former PFLAG San Diego County president and one of the South County Chapter founders, she has helped hundreds of families feel included and loved.